Works and Style

Albert Delvaux composed a rich and versatile collection of works which consists of approximately a hundred compositions. His symphonic music consists of four symphonies, symphonic poems and concerti. Additionally, chamber music and vocal music with songs, cantatas and chorals make up an important part of his works as well.

He developed his own style. The majority of his works are relatively classical with attention for the development of themes, counterpoint and harmony, and a balanced form. The ethos of his early works has a more impressionistic character. His most valued early works are Le Chant de l’eau [The song of the water], a richly orchestrated symphonic poem from 1943 inspired by the eponymous poem of Emile Verhaeren. Since the 1960s his style became more modernistic and abstract as a result of the integration of dodecaphony and modi à la Messian.

Many of his works were awarded prices. In 1961 his Sinfonia burlesca [Burlesque symphony] was awareded a price in the composition competition Queen Elisabeth. In 1970 he received an award from the Common Dutch Union for his Concerto voor fluit, hobo, clarinet, fagot en kamerorkest [Concerto for flute, oboe, clarinet, bassoon and chamber orchestra]. He repeatedly became a laureate of the Contemporary Belgian Music sessions, in 1943, 1972, and 1982.